Texas Rangers Blog

Rangers’ great running game, Tigers’ awful one give Texas edge

Running is not part of the Tigers’ offense. They ranked last in the AL in steals with 49, but the big question is whether Tigers catcher Alex Avila can shut down the Rangers’ running game.

The Rangers were 4-for-5 in steal attempts this season against both Avila and Victor Martinez, who figures to DH regularly. The Rangers were third in the AL in stolen base efficiency at 76.1 percent for 188 attempts.

If Ian Kinsler, who led the AL in stolen base percentage (88.2 percent) can get on early and move himself into scoring position, it will put significant pressure on Detroit pitchers against the middle of the Rangers’ lineup.

In regards to the running game, the Tigers are full of slew-footed base-cloggers, which could give Rangers starters a way out of jams. The Rangers induced the most double-plays in the AL (141) and lefties C.J. Wilson (31) and Matt Harrison (30) ranked 1-2.

Detroit hit into the third most double plays in the AL (142). Miguel Cabrera was second in the league (24) and Victor Martinez was tied for sixth (20). The Rangers turned 13 double plays in nine games against the Tigers.

Turning point

If this series is not a sweep, somebody will be facing elimination after Game 5 in which aces C.J. Wilson of the Rangers and Justin Verlander of the Tigers are due to match up for the second time in the series. Somebody is going to have to get their team off the mat. Both seem suited for the job, but Verlander was almost indomitable after Detroit losses this season. While Wilson went 9-4 and won his last five decisions that followed losses, Verlander was 16-2. He did not lose following a Detroit loss after the All-Star break.